Nature Center Foundation banquet planned

January 3, 2013

The Emmet County Nature Center Foundation Board of Directors and Conservation Board made plans for the March 23 banquet at the Estherville Elks Lodge.

Conservation Board director Eric Anderson said Paul and Joan Peterson had donated 28 wildlife prints, some with stamps, and some dating back to 1974. Artists include Maynard Reece, Terry Redlin and Larry Zach.

Wildlife prints have been a staple at the auction following the Nature Center banquet every year.

The board decided to have wildlife artist and former board member J.D. Speltz evaluate the prints for pricing.

People who "like" the Emmet County Nature Center on Facebook will have their name entered into a drawing for a free banquet ticket every two weeks.

Raffle tickets are being sold for a canoe that will be given away at the banquet at $5 each or four for $20. There will also be an "early bird" prize for those buying their banquet tickets before 4 p.m. March 1. The banquet will also feature a large number of silent and live auction items.

In other business Thursday, naturalist Jenna Pollock said she will meet with Estherville Lincoln Central elementary teachers next Wednesday to plan activities.

Pollock also noted that Sarah Morphew will hold a photography workshop 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Nature Center. Morphew will cover techniques such as light, composition, photography tools and how to handle your images after you take the picture. Anyone interested in the workshop may call the Nature Center at 867-4422. People should be sure to bring their cameras to the workshop.

After the Nature Center Foundation meeting, the Emmet County Conservation Board discussed Wolden mapping and boundaries. Anderson said he would set up a meeting with county attorney Doug Hansen, Jacobson-Westergard & Associates and board members to determine how to proceed.

Other matters the Conservation Board discussed were the turnout at Christmas on the Farm, ordinance review and the proposed FY 2014 budget.